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Relationship between Using Fibrate and Open-Angle Glaucoma in Hyperlipidemic Patients: A Population-Based Cohort
Yung-En Tsai1,2, Yi-Hao Chen2, Chien-An Sun3,4
1Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung 802, Taiwan.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|February 25, 2022
Summary
Long-term fibrate use, over seven years, was associated with a reduced risk of open-angle glaucoma (OAG) in hyperlipidemic patients. This finding suggests a potential protective effect of fibrates against OAG development.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hyperlipidemia is a common condition requiring lipid-lowering therapy.
- Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
- The potential ocular side effects of lipid-lowering medications warrant investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between fibrate use and the risk of developing open-angle glaucoma (OAG).
- To analyze this risk specifically in patients diagnosed with hyperlipidemia.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study utilizing the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD).
- Inclusion of 10,011 patients using fibrates and 40,044 controls over a 16-year period.
- Statistical analyses included Fisher's exact test, Pearson chi-square test, adjusted hazard ratios (aHR), and Kaplan-Meier analysis.
Main Results:
- Fibrate use was associated with a significantly lower incidence of OAG (aHR = 0.624, p = 0.007).
- The incidence rates were 463.02 per 100,000 person-years for fibrate users versus 573.65 for non-users.
- Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated a significantly lower cumulative risk of OAG in the fibrate group after seven years of use (log-rank test p = 0.050).
Conclusions:
- Prolonged use of fibrates (over seven years) may be linked to a reduced risk of open-angle glaucoma in hyperlipidemic individuals.
- The findings suggest a potential protective role of fibrates against OAG.
- Further prospective research is recommended to confirm and elucidate this relationship.
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